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could you do the equivalent the trendy MTB steel frame guys do* and use a double butted down and top tube?
Aiming for that as it is yes. Butted front triangle, heavily ovalised chainstays and skinny seatstays.
I'd like an ovalised top tube and I'm not sure of the order of machining for tubing. If it's butted and then ovalised, fine. They won't be able to do it the other way around so I may have to chose between round butted or straight gauge oval for the top tube.
PhilDAS-
As a serial Ti user for the last 15 years - in order
Omega plain
Walty plain
Moots plain
Moots plain
Genesis DB
Moots plain
Enigma plainThe ones with the most distinct qualities are Genesis and Enigma. Genesis is the stiffest, Enigma is the most absorbant. So one of each in my mini survey.
Moots is the highest perceived quality and price - and they make a strong case for the materials they choose.
So I think the answer is not really which tubing type, but design intent/gauge/shaping/angles make the most difference. And I would pay a premium to get all those in a butted frame (the weight loss is not important for me).
zephyr26
and anyone riding a 62 isn't going to notice a 1lb difference anyway!
I think buying for yourself with your eyes open is one thing (I have 105 mechs on my "ultegra" cross bikes) but a brand having to sell things is quite different.
@PhilDAS could you do the equivalent the trendy MTB steel frame guys do* and use a double butted down and top tube?
*use one 853 tube with the rest basic 4130 and put the 853 sticker on that one